Do culturable seed endophyte communities differ between native and invasive Fabaceae sharing the same habitat?

ABSTRACT: Invasive plant species threaten ecosystems by decreasing biodiversity and altering their functioning. Recent findings suggest that endophytes play a crucial role in germination and early seedling development, which may enhance plant invasion success. This study aimed to characterize the culturable seed endophytes of invasive Acacia spp. and coexisting Portuguese native Fabaceae (Erophaca baetica, Genista triacanthos, Retama monosperma, Stauracanthus genistoides and Ulex jussiaei) within two habitats: Dune and Forest. We compared seed microbial endophytes, their richness, diversity, and functional traits. Microbial communities were obtained through classical microbiology, followed by 16S rRNA and ITS region sequencing for identification. The most relevant functional traits were predicted us

SUBMITTER: Jesus JG 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12710845 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature